Won Hee-ryong: "If the Cargo Solidarity Strike Continues Holding the National Economy Hostage, a Major Decision Will Be Made"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] Won Hee-ryong, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, warned the Cargo Solidarity of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, which has been on a total strike for eight days, saying, “If you try to enforce unilateral demands by holding the national economy hostage, we will have no choice but to make a serious decision.”

On the afternoon of the 14th, Minister Won visited the inland container depot (ICD) in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, to inspect the logistics damage caused by the Cargo Solidarity’s collective refusal to transport, and made these remarks.

He said, “I empathize with the difficulties of the cargo truck owners and am continuing dialogue with an open mind,” but added, “However, the behavior of using logistics as a hostage to enforce only their own interests through the display of power by the group, regardless of the damage to the national economy, is unacceptable. We will decisively block this.” He also said, “Now, the Cargo Solidarity is also at a crossroads of choice,” and urged, “I hope they return to transportation while continuing dialogue to reach an agreement.”

He proposed formal talks to the Cargo Solidarity, saying, “The door to dialogue is always open, and if the door to dialogue opens this time, a conclusion must be reached. It is possible now and also tonight.” He added, “At first, the public sympathized, thinking that the cargo truck owners must have been driven to this, but now the limits of sympathy and patience have been reached.”

Regarding the core issue of this strike, the ‘Safe Freight Rate System,’ Minister Won promised to support legislation to reflect the demands of the cargo truck owners.

He stated, “I will accurately report the achievements and issues that have emerged during the three years of implementing the Safe Freight Rate System to the National Assembly and do my best in the legislative process to ensure appropriate treatment,” adding, “However, since there are positions of both ruling and opposition parties, cargo owners, and the entire public, we will strive to create a system that is respected.”

Regarding practical consultations between the Cargo Solidarity and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport officials, Minister Won said, “There have been many discussions that could lead to an agreement, so if the Cargo Solidarity makes a decision, an agreement is possible,” but added, “Since it has not been officially decided, it is difficult to specifically say what discussions have taken place.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.